Browns-Jets scouting report: Rex Ryan's job may be on the line

Browns head coach Rob Chudzinski doesn’t have to worry about his job because he is in his first year, but Rex Ryan’s act is wearing thin in New Jersey. He is in his fifth year, and though he is 44-40, the Jets were 6-10 last year. They are 6-8 today and out of the playoff race for the second straight year.
This game will reflect which head coach can get his team to play hard when there is nothing to play for other than job auditions for next season. The Browns have shown heart even in tough losses during their five-game losing streak. The Jets players will send a signal to management by the effort they show whether they want Ryan back.Key matchup
Browns safety Tashaun Gipson vs. Jets quarterback Geno Smith: Smith has turned the ball over 25 times on 21 interceptions and four lost fumbles. Gipson has the best hands in the secondary and, according to defensive coordinator Ray Horton, is the MVP of the defense. Gipson could give the offense the ball on a short field and take the Jets crowd out of the game with an interception or two.Key stats
The Browns have given up 24 touchdown passes in the last nine games and lost eight of those games.
The Jets are last in the league in takeaway-giveaway at minus-19.Key to a Browns victory
If the Browns could run the ball, they could grind time off the clock to make it more difficult for the defense to blow another fourth-quarter lead. That’s a good theory, but the Jets are third in the league in run defense. The good news for the Browns is if they can get a lead and force Smith to throw, they are more likely to get an interception. Either way, it will come down to whether the Browns’ defense can make a big play in crunch time.Key to a Jets victory
Browns quarterback Jason Campbell gets down on himself when he makes mistakes. Jets sack leader Muhammad Wilkerson can be a game-changer if he beats Mitchell Schwartz around the corner. The Jets saw on film the way the Bears took Josh Gordon out of the game last week (three catches, 67 yards, one touchdown) and will doubtless try to copy that by keeping their safeties deep. The Jets are catching a break because tight end Jordan Cameron is missing the game because of his concussion.Jeff Schudel’s prediction: Browns 20, Jets 17